BMS hires new US chief operating officer from Willis Re

Specialist re/insurance broker BMS Group has hired Willis Re's Robert Mercier as chief operating officer (COO) of its US business. He will be based in Philadelphia.

Mercier has over 20 years’ experience in managing key reinsurance operations in North America and globally. He was most recently operations director at Willis Re, where he spent 15 years and had served in several senior positions.

Prior to joining Willis Re, he was the global underwriting operations Leader at GE Insurance Solutions for five years, developing property and casualty reinsurance products, services, and systems with an emphasis on driving efficiency, productivity, and expense improvements. His background includes underwriting, client services, and sales experience in reinsurance and specialty insurance markets, having worked at Converium (now Zurich Re) and Marsh & McLennan.

Mercier will report to Pete Chandler, CEO and president of BMS’s US arm, who said: “BMS’s reinsurance revenues have now topped $100mn; continued investment in talent at all levels, including leadership, brokerage, analytical and actuarial is absolutely planned for 2021 and beyond. Our reinsurance team has grown significantly over the past two years, as we continue to attract market-leading talent, are constantly challenging the status quo and developing new reinsurance products for our clients and prospects. To accelerate our growth momentum in 2021, we continue to invest heavily in talent and technology, with a particular focus on all things digital, analytics and data."

Chandler added: "With Bob’s outstanding experience in executing core operational and growth strategies, he will contribute greatly to the continued build-out of our capabilities. His appointment is a crucial step in our long-term expansion strategy, and I am very pleased to welcome Bob to our team.”

Mercier commented: “BMS is deeply committed to fuelling significant, persistent growth and profitability. With a vision and strategy informed by insight and understanding of key market sectors, and underpinned by outstanding 2020 accomplishments and continuing investments, BMS is uniquely positioned for robust, sustained expansion in a dynamic and changing marketplace.

"BMS’s exceptional leadership team, broadening talent base, and diverse partnerships provide a strong foundation for our continued success as the emerging independent broker of choice. It is a very exciting, opportune time to join BMS and I look forward to working closely with Pete and the team.”

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